Hubert Laws | In the Beginning
** Hubert Laws, In The Beginning
In the early 70’s, musician and virtuoso Hubert Laws was penned by jazz enthusiast and critics alike as the premier flutist on the contemporaryjazz scene. It was in 1974 when I met “In The Beginning” by Laws for the first time. Visionary and businessman Creed Taylor [founder and owner] of CTI Records produced this album.
One glance at this stellar cast of musicians on this recording you’ll find yourself simply spellbound, as you’ll see everyone from Bob James, Steve Gadd, Richard Tee, Dave Friedman, and Ron Carter adorns this project. In addition, his brother Ronnie Laws plays tenor saxophone and Airto adds rhythmic beats, color, and textures as the percussionist on this magnificent session.
The opening selection “In The Beginning,” the title cut is a splendid piece that sets the mood is composed by the imaginative Claire Fischer [she is also featured on electric piano on the track] and arranged by Bob James along with Ms. Fischer.
On this recording, Hubert breaks new ground on this eclectic masterpiece, as he incorporates his passion for classic and gospel infused with jazz on tracks like “Gymnopedie #1” and Gospel fused “Come Ye Disconsolate” (arranged by Laws and James]. He also refines Coltrane’s swinging and complex “Moments Notice.” Of course, as you listen, you’ll discover other distinguished selections throughout this project giving [you] quality and depth with over and hour of stunning music and powerful arrangements with top shelve musicianship provided by Laws and company.
By now, I think you get the picture. Producer Creed Taylor was truly brilliant in recognizing talented artists of Hubert Laws caliber and giving them a vehicle to express themselves instrumentally on his label CTI. Finally, if you don’t have any records by Laws, and you absolutely dig jazz with flute as featured instrument I’m convinced his record “In The Beginning,” should meet and exceed all expectations even for the most discriminating music lover.
Rob Young
The Urban Music Scene
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